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La Cabina: A Surreal Nightmare Antonio Mercero's La Cabina (★★★★★) is a cult 1972 surreal short film that lasts just 35 minutes but encompasses an entire dreamworld of anxiety. The film tells the story of a fussy middle-aged man, played by José Luis López Vázquez, who steps into a phone booth that has just appeared in a suburban sidestreet. However, the phone doesn't work, and he can't get out; the door is jammed. The Absurdity of El Televisor Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's El Televisor (★★★☆☆) from 1974 is a spirited but overextended satire on TV and its promotion of convenience and leisure. The film follows Enrique, a sad and mediocre little man who works all hours at his boring job to earn enough to provide for his family. He dreams of buying a brand new colour TV set, but once installed, he becomes maniacally obsessed with watching TV all day, every day. Exploring Themes of Anxiety and Surveillance Both films explore themes of anxiety, surveillance, and the impact of technology on society in Franco's Spain. La Cabina can be seen as a parable of surveillance and tyranny, while El Televisor critiques the effects of television on individuals and society. Release Details La Cabina/El Televisor is in UK cinemas from 19 June. The films will be released on Blu-ray from 20 July.

The Crisis in Vienna: A Historic BoycottEurovision 2026 has evolved from a celebration of sequins and song into a flashpoint of international tension. The contest, marking its 70th anniversary in the Austrian capital, is being boycotted by five nations: Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland. These countries are protesting Israel's inclusion in the competition, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and what they describe as "illegal war and genocide." Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain stated, "In the face of illegal war and also genocide, silence is not an option," announcing that his nation would not attend but would instead air alternative programming.Boycotting Nations: Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, IcelandHost City: Vienna, AustriaControversial Participant: IsraelViewership and Participation MetricsThe scale of this mutiny represents the largest boycott in Eurovision history, threatening to dent the event's image as a unifying force. Despite the political turmoil, the contest remains a massive global spectacle. Last year's event drew 166 million viewers, making it the world's most watched non-sporting cultural event. However, the absence of five major broadcasters and the potential for blackouts in participating nations signal a significant drop in engagement and reach.The EBU's Struggle for NeutralityThe European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest, is facing accusations of spinelessness and an inability to navigate propaganda. The organization is caught between two opposing narratives: supporters of Israel argue that the boycott is driven by antisemitism, while protesters accuse the contest of "art-washing" atrocities against Palestinians. Security has been ramped up in Vienna, and police are preparing for a febrile atmosphere, particularly surrounding Israel's performance by contestant Noam Bettan, during which chants of "stop the genocide" were reportedly heard.The Future of the ContestHistorically, Eurovision has always had a political undercurrent, from the 1969 boycott of Franco's Spain to the 2007 "Russia goodbye" controversy. However, experts suggest this year marks a departure where the EBU has lost control. As the contest moves further from its idealistic roots of "united by music" to a proxy battleground for global conflicts, the EBU faces a critical decision. The organization may need to establish stricter rules regarding political participation or risk further fragmentation, potentially turning the contest into a fractured event rather than a pan-European celebration.